Blog - Sender One Climbing
Hispanic Heritage Month At Sender One

Hispanic Heritage Month At Sender One

the content

Written by Kadisha Aburub

 

Hispanic Heritage Month was first introduced in June of 1968 as a week-long commemoration of contributions from the Hispanic community. It then was extended to a month-long celebration starting on September 15th.

Among the community you may have heard folks using Latinx, Latine, Latino, or Hispanic used to identify themselves. So we thought we’d address the question “where does the word Hispanic come from?” 

The term "Hispanic" was adopted by the United States in the 70s as a way to identify anyone of Spanish speaking origin/ancestry for the Census Bureau. The term creates a sense of community through a connection to Spain. However, it excludes countries in Latin America that do not speak Spanish, such as Brazil. The term "Latino/a" focuses more on the geographic location of Latin America. A common point brought up about the term "Latino/a" is that it uses binary language that a lot of folks within the LGBTQ2IA+ community don't resonate with. That's where the term "Latinx" came to fruition. However, it’s worth noting that most that use this term are young and educated. Typically anyone who identifies within this community will self-identify with whatever term they feel resonates

This past Saturday, we kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with the organization Escalemos. When first starting the meet up, the organizers and Sender One staff were decorating for the event and when folks showed up for the event they immediately jumped in and helped with decorating. Folding paper mache with everyone felt reminiscent of being in the kitchen con familia, putting masa on corn husks, having an assembly line, and talking over one another.

We asked a couple of the leaders of Escalemos, Jorge and Lucy, to share a bit a bit about themselves:

How would you describe your cultural identity?

Jorge: "I am a Los Angeles-born native with cultural and ancestral ties to various ethnic groups from Guatemala."

Lucy: "I would describe my cultural identity as Mexican-American. I am first generation. "

What does this month mean to you/how have you been able to celebrate?

Jorge: "Latinx/Latine folk have made numerous contributions to the United States in ways that are integral to the function of our country. Specifically, we can assess our financial contributions to the American economy by noting that Latinx folk are the fastest-growing portion of the national Gross Domestic Product. That said, Latinx folk impact the spirit of our country through our cultural contributions in the realms of music, art, technology, cuisine and beyond. 

We constantly see our influence permeate through mainstream culture and the day-to-day lives of Americans as a whole. For example, did you know that the original design for Apple’s IOS emojis was created by a Columbian-American designer, Angela Guzman, during an internship? Additionally, the biggest musical artists in the world have hailed from Latin America in the past few years.This month puts the spotlight on Latinx-Americans and allows us to be celebrated for all that we offer. 

As such, I am celebrating this month kicking off our Southern California Escalemos meetups both indoors and outdoors. By bringing our people together to share knowledge and engage in activities centered around joy and growth we allow our communities to empower themselves through increased awareness, mental/physical/spiritual strengthening and networking."

Lucy: "For me, this month holds great significance as it provides an opportunity to showcase and honor my roots, as well as pay tribute to those who came before me. RIP Jenni Rivera & Selena Quintanilla. Being part of the Hispanic community and having an entire month dedicated to celebrating our heritage is an honor.

During this month, I was able to co-host the first Socal Escalemos meet-up with Jorge. This gathering provided a platform for Hispanic individuals to connect, bond, and engage in activities related to our shared interests. 

I will also be enjoying some tacos and Micheladas all month long. "

Who is your biggest influence and why?

Jorge: "Mi madre. My mother always made it a point to explore our Guatemalan culture and identity which instilled a sense of connectedness to my heritage. Growing up, we spent 3 months out of the year in Puerto Barrios, Izabal which is the part of Guatemala where she was raised.This was no easy feat since my father passed away at a young age leaving her to raise two kids on her own with limited income. 

Having the opportunity to see how the folks in our homeland worked and lived while cohabitating with my native Guatemalan family was jarring at times as the juxtaposition between my life in America, which afforded me more privilege than my family back home, with the hardships in Guatemala proved to be emotionally challenging. Even still, the opportunity to split my time between two countries offered me a unique point of view that instilled a sense of pride in my heritage which set the foundation for the type of community centered social practice I continue to engage in. Specifically, I have an innate desire to experience and uplift different forms of living, thinking, and communicating by uplifting underrepresented cultures.

My mother made this work as an immigrant in a new land which in retrospect was incredibly admirable. She maintained an incredible work ethic, financial savviness and most of all she created a loving home for my sister and I. I am proud to be her son."

Lucy: "Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have been influenced by various individuals, but there is one person whom I will forever hold in high regard - my dad. He made the courageous decision to leave Guerrero, Mexico, and seek a better life in the United States.

It is because of my dad's sacrifices and resilience that I am able to enjoy the life I have today. From a very young age, he instilled in me the value of resourcefulness. I vividly remember him repeating a particular phrase in Spanish like a broken record when I was just four years old: "If you don't know the answer to something, ask. The probability is high that someone else has the same question but is too afraid to ask." This simple yet profound lesson taught me the importance of seeking knowledge and not being afraid to reach out for help. He taught me early on what it means to have grit, be humble, and be kind."

My identity + climbing:

Jorge: "Climbing both indoors and outdoors allows for substantial placemaking to occur within my life. Placemaking, for me, can be defined as situations, states or environments (within spaces) that create a feeling of connectedness to ourselves and our communities and can be activated through a sense of safety, purpose and excitement. 

I engage in placemaking through climbing by facilitating and engaging in community centered experiences. I aim to create value by working with groups that may feel like they are not visible. In climbing, people of color often don’t realize that there are many other people of color also engaging in the sport since we are not the abundantly visible demographic at climbing gyms/crags. Historically we have not been afforded spaces like this. By bringing us together in these spaces we empower our communities by showing them that they can partake in events that put them together with people that have gone through or are currently going through similar experiences so that they can exchange knowledge and support one another. By discovering our potential to interact with different people that share similar ideas and interests we uplift our sense of meaning. 

Being able to create community by unifying groups of like minded people at their local gyms/crags around a common interest or the desire for a shared experience demonstrates and puts in practice work that codifies the needs of new spaces and social landscapes. "

Lucy: "Growing up, my parents lacked the knowledge and resources to expose us to the wonders of the great outdoors. I vividly recall the first time I visited Yosemite to climb, I was seventeen. As I stood there, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature, a thought crossed my mind: "I wish my parents could witness this incredible sight too." Now as an adult, I get to take them to these awesome places that climbing exposes me to. 

Climbing is not just a mere hobby for me; it is an integral part of who I am. The sheer excitement and joy that fills me when I embark on a climbing adventure is indescribable. Moreover, being able to share this passion with others adds an extra layer of fulfillment to my experiences.

As a female Hispanic climber, I feel honored and proud to represent a diverse community within the climbing world. It is a privilege for me to share my love for climbing with my fellow sisters and brothers."

 

Sender One Westwood: 1929 to Now

Sender One Westwood: 1929 to Now

the content

Written by Hailey McFelia & Khristina Rhead

As we prepare for the opening of our newest Sender One gym, we wanted to take the time to tell you about the historic building that Sender One Westwood will call home.

The building was originally designed by Russell Collins as a Ralph's grocery store in 1929. After more than 40 years of serving the community as their staple food venue, in 1970, it was transformed into a theater. The United Artist Theater sat 595 total, 494 downstairs, and 101 in the balcony. 

One of the events the theater was known for was the initial L.A. engagement of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." The show ran from September 26 through December 11, 1975. On the 12th of December it moved to the nearby UA Cinema Center and was replaced at United Artist Theater by Gene Wilder's 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother."

Though it stayed a theater throughout the years, the building went through several ownership and name changes. Eventually, the building retired as a theater in 2009, later to become a new source of entertainment, a bouldering gym. Sender One is working with the city  to preserve some of the features that make this historic building so unique. Sometimes those preservation can lead to a few setbacks, but don’t you worry, your new bouldering gym is coming soon to an old theater near you.

 

We look forward to opening our doors and making our own history in this building with you. To keep up with the latest updates give us a follow on our Instagram: @senderone.westwood.

Or, join our mailing list here!​

Goodbye Summer, Hello Send-Off: A Guide to Summer Send-Off ’23

Goodbye Summer, Hello Send-Off: A Guide to Summer Send-Off ’23

the content

Written by Kadisha Aburub & Edited by Alexandra Erdman

 

Just yesterday, it feels like January was here. And now … summer is slowly coming to its end. *sadness* 

Join us in saying farewell to summer with the ultimate competition! 

Our annual Summer Send-Off Competition combines traditional red-point bouldering plus camp activities (like the King Swing, Crate Stacking, Slackline, etc). This year, we’re stoked to announce we are having an OPEN ONSIGHT FINALS. *YEWWWWW*

 

If you’ve never been to an Onsight finals before, now is your chance. Watch climbers climb under pressure with a crowd. The energy is contagious, to say the least, and you will get PSYCHED.  

If you're not interested in competing but still would like to attend, please come down! There's plenty of room for spectators AND we are still looking for volunteers! (Hint: Volunteers will get a couple extra perks like free passes and snacks). You can sign up to volunteer here! If you're only looking to spectate, you can RSVP here! The cost is free for members and only $5 for non-members : )

If you’re interested in competing but you’ve never competed in a competition before, don’t sweat! We have three different competing categories: Recreational (generally V0 - V4), Advanced (generally V4 - V7), and Open (generally V7+).

 

“I’VE NEVER BEEN TO A COMPETITION BEFORE!!! What should I expect??” 

Not to worry! We’re going to break down what to expect and how to navigate being in a competition if it's your first time! 

First things first, sign up for the competition here! You’ll want to make sure you are hydrated and well rested the day before. On the day of competition, have snacks and plenty of water with you. Arrive 15 minutes before your category competing time so that you can attend the competitor meeting. Warm up! There won’t be any grades associated with any of the climbs. So, basically, just climb whatever seems interesting to you! Anytime you complete a climb you’ll have to make sure to record it on your scorecard and a witness will sign off on it. After you're done climbing or the competition is over, you must turn in your scorecard!! 

Don’t forget, this isn’t a regular competition. There are activities and pop-up challenges (like the King Swing or limbo) that, by participating, earns you points; which will get you closer to standing on the podium and winning some rad prizes 😉 

Check out these competitor guides (Red Point & OnSight) for more details!

 

Now, if that doesn’t already get you stoked, well we have some SWEET prizes coming at you. Here is a run down of the prizes for the each of the categories:

RECREATIONAL & ADVANCED (Men's & Women's Each)

1st Place: Crash Pad + First Place Trophy

2nd Place: MadRock Shoe Certificate + Silver Medal

3rd Place:  Cotopaxi Hielo Bag + Bronze Medal

 

OPEN (Men's & Women's Each)

1st Place: $1000 + First Place Trophy

2nd Place: $600 + Silver Medal

3rd Place: $400 + Bronze Medal

We’re so excited for this competition and for the energy y’all will bring. Whether it’s your first-time or you’re a well-oiled competitor, we know you’ll have a blast!! The fun happens August 26th! Sign up today 😀

Staff Appreciation Month

Staff Appreciation Month

the content

Written by Hailey McFelia & Eric Ho | Cover Photo by Vex Media

Here at Sender One we love creating memorable experiences and that wouldn’t be possible without our staff.

There are so many pieces to this puzzle we call Sender One. Most of our members get to know our front desk staff pretty easily. They are always there to help guide you, not just around the gym but they also lend a helping hand on instructing you how to get on the walls. Speaking of instruction, we have passionate coaches, yoga instructors, and private instructors who love taking the time to get you strong and up the walls. 

The walls that wouldn’t be as colorful without our Route Setting Team. They put in such incredibly hard work and creativity to construct the problems that we get to climb every day.

Every so often, you may get to see some of the marketing team at events, putting up new displays at the gym, or snapping photos/videos for new content. Our employee experience team is constantly interviewing for new team members now that we are expanding to Westwood, Lakewood, and Aliso Viejo (click here to apply!). Our training team is providing development for our team members new and old that want to expand into various departments and locations. Our facilities team is putting up new structures and updating existing ones. Now, that’s just what you see! Click the link to see more on the team behind the scenes.   

 

August is Staff Appreciation Month at Sender One. We are doing a few things to celebrate our staff, but we would like your help! Each Sender One location has a thank you box where you can share how much you appreciate our employees. Whether it’s one person or the team as a whole, please take the time to thank a staff member today.

Sender One Youth Climbing Team: National Champions

Sender One Youth Climbing Team: National Champions

the content

Written by Kadisha Aburub

A week ago, our Youth Programs' Competition Team made Sender One history by sending 24 athletes to compete and showcase their skills on the National stage.
24 athletes is the most that Sender One has ever sent to Nationals. To add to that, it's the first time we’ve placed as a team at Nationals… earning our Third Place National Champions team title in speed.

So what exactly does it take to compete on the National stage?

Here’s a quick rundown of competitive climbing for those who are unfamiliar. (It can be a tricky/confusing space to navigate). 

There are three disciplines of competitive climbing: 

  • Bouldering
  • Lead (14+ years old)/Top Rope (13 years old and under)
  • Speed

Each discipline has different seasons: 

  • Bouldering: October - December
    • Regional championships are held in January 
    • Divisional championships are held in February
  • Lead/Top Rope: January - March 
    • Regional championships are held in April 
    • Divisional championships are held in May
  • Speed: October - May
    • No regional/divisional championships. Athletes can compete at any qualifying event to achieve a qualifying time that makes them eligible to compete at the National Championships

A competitors rank is determined by their two best Qualifying Event performances. To qualify for Regional championships in either Bouldering or Lead/Top Rope a competitor must finish in the top 26 of their respective category.

From the 26 competitors per category at Regionals, the top 13 finishers advance to Divisional Championships. 

From the 13 competitors per category at Divisionals, the top 6 finishers earn an invitation to compete in that discipline at the Youth National championships. 

Long story short: a ton of hard work, dedication, and showing up to a lot of competitions. It is no easy feat. So we are incredibly proud of our athletes and coaches who have demonstrated an immense amount of commitment and grit to show up and rise to this occasion. 

Here are a few highlights: 

 

    • Michael Hom is the 2023 MYA Speed National Champion, with an invitation to the Youth World Championships and a spot on the USA Youth National Team
    • Logan Schlecht defended his National Champion title, with a spot on the USA National Team and an invitation to the Youth World Championships
    • Maddi Haferling finished 5th in the nation with a new PB of 9.609 seconds and a spot on the USA Youth National Development Team
    • Taede Mai finished 4th in the nation with a new PB of 7.319 seconds and a spot on the USA Youth National Development Team (first alternate for Youth World Championships)
    • Silas Chang is the 2023 MJR speed bronze medalist, with a spot on the USA Youth National Development Team (first alternate for Youth World Championships)
    • Silas Chang finished 18th in the nation in MRJ lead
    • Silas Chang finished 20th in the nation in MJR bouldering
    • Logan Schlecht finished 9th in the nation in MYB bouldering
    • Samantha Lai finished 11th in the nation in FJR speed
    • Yoji Bunnell finished 16th in the nation in MJR speed
    • Marcus Yoo finished 19th in the nation in MYA speed
    • Team Sender One SNA finished 3rd out of 61 teams in the team speed competition, and is the only team to be leaving the speed national championships with two gold medalists
    • Logan Schlecht finished 25th in the nation in MYB lead

A special shoutout to coaches Christian Mercene, Laurel Melton, and Stella Pena who supported athletes at Nationals, to all the coaches who show up and give their all to practice, to all the parents who make an insane amount of sacrifices, and to our Sender One athletes who show up day in and day out.

Photo ID: Sender One stands as 3rd place National team Champions for Youth Series Speed 

Photo Credit: Jason Chang (@theshortbeta)

Care for the Crag: Pirate’s Cove

Care for the Crag: Pirate’s Cove

the content

Written by Hailey McFelia

Care for the Crag: Pirate's Cove Cleanup & Picnic!

Sunday’s Crag Cleanup was originally scheduled during a heatwave, with 120 people RSVP’d. We lucked out with a lovely overcast morning and a turnout that wasn’t going to overwhelm the beach. Don’t get us wrong, we love that our Sender One community wants to help out and give back by helping us pick up trash. We just don’t ever want to over crowd an outdoor space. With that being said, about 70 people rolled through to help us clean the beach and collect 144 pounds of trash!

For first timers at Pirate’s Cove, our staff took volunteers around the crag while taking the time to educate them on the land and the rock we are climbing on. For example, the type of rock at this crag is called sandstone. It’s a porous rock that, when wet. it gets weaker. For climbers, that means holds can break! Typically, we NEVER want to climb on wet rock. On the beach at Pirate’s Cove where the rock is constantly getting wet because of the tide, though, that rule seems to go out the window. Just proceed with caution. It’s a choss pile, but it’s our choss pile. We mean that with love.

 

 

After the cleanup, we had a delightful picnic where we got to take the time to meet with our fantastic community. It was a lovely moment where we all got to admire the work we put in to clean the beach. We want to thank our volunteers and our Sender One community for showing up and helping us clean this beautiful outdoor space!

Pin It on Pinterest